A TEAM of Coventry teachers are going back to school to learn how to use a life-saving heart start machine.

Staff at Finham Park, in Green Lane, will be trained to use the defibrillator which the school has purchased through the Derek Higgs Start a Heart Appeal.

The Telegraph-backed appeal – launched in memory of popular businessman Sir Derek Higgs – aims to base 50 new defibrillators around Coventry.

It is believed Finham Park could be the first school in the Midlands to have its own defibrillator.

A dozen staff are already signed up for defibrillator training next month and 12 more are keen to be trained. There are even plans to cascade the lessons down to students who have already completed first aid training to create a network of potential lifesavers.

School first aider Vicky Handy said: “We already deliver a programme of first aid and life support training to all our upper school pupils so this seemed a logical next step.”

Every minute that a victim’s heart is stopped their chances of surviving drops by 10 per cent so having a defibrillator and trained operators on hand can mean the difference between life and death.

The defibrillator will also be available to help adults who use the site for a range of activities and functions outside school hours and the school’s neighbours.

Pauline Parkes, the school’s inclusion manager, said: “The school is a centre for the whole community – there are a lot of people who come through our gates so it won’t just benefit pupils and staff.

“We would like to think this defibrillator will eventually be available to help the local community too.”

The Derek Higgs Start a Heart Appeal is asking firms to help buy a defibrillator at the reduced price of £1,000 and have staff trained to use it for free.

It is also seeking donations that will help place defibrillators in community centres and public places.

For more information about joining or donating to the appeal, call 084 4412 0552 or visit www.startaheartcov.com.